Anise Tea Crescents

Ingredients

• 6.75 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups) 
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 5 tablespoons butter, softened 
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons 2% reduced-fat milk 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 teaspoon aniseed, crushed

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
3. 3. Beat 3/4 cup sugar, butter, and oil with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add flour mixture and aniseed; beat at low speed until blended. Chill 30 minutes. Shape dough into 32 (2-inch) logs; bend logs to form crescent shape. Arrange 16 crescents 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 14 minutes or until edges are golden. Remove from oven; cool on pan 3 minutes. Repeat procedure with remaining 16 crescents.
4. 4. Sift remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a medium bowl; toss warm cookies in sugar to coat. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, Cooking Light